Holi

Holi — The Festival of Colors

Holi (Holī) is one of the most joyful and vibrant festivals in Hinduism, celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna (February–March). It marks the arrival of spring, the victory of good over evil, and is intimately associated with the divine love of Radha and Krishna.

The Legend of Prahlada and Holika

The most commonly cited story behind Holi is from the Bhagavata Purana:

The demon king Hiranyakashipu forbade worship of any deity other than himself. His own son Prahlada, however, was an unshakeable devotee of Vishnu. Enraged, Hiranyakashipu tried numerous times to kill Prahlada but failed — divine protection surrounded the devotee at every turn.

Finally, his sister Holika — who had a boon that made her immune to fire — agreed to sit in a bonfire with Prahlada on her lap, intending to burn him alive. But the boon could only protect the virtuous: Holika burned while Prahlada emerged unharmed, singing Vishnu’s praises.

The bonfire (Holika Dahan) on the eve of Holi commemorates this story — the burning of ego, evil, and adharma.

Holi and Radha-Krishna

In the Braj region (Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana), Holi takes on a distinctly romantic and playful character associated with Krishna and Radha. The Lathmar Holi of Barsana — where women playfully beat men with sticks — reenacts the tradition of Krishna coming to Radha’s village to celebrate.

The exuberant, joyful throwing of colors reflects the divine playfulness (lila) of Krishna.

How Holi is Celebrated

Evening Before (Holika Dahan):

• Bonfires are lit in neighborhoods across India
• People gather to perform puja and walk around the fire
• Symbolizes the burning away of negativity and evil

The Day of Holi:

• People emerge into the streets with colored powder (gulal) and water guns
• Distinctions of class, age, and gender dissolve in the colorful celebration
• The greeting is “Holi hai!” — It’s Holi!
• Special foods: gujiya (sweet dumplings), thandai (spiced milk drink), malpua

Significance

Holi teaches that:

• Good ultimately triumphs over evil (satya meva jayate)
• Winter’s darkness gives way to spring’s light
• Social barriers can be transcended in shared joy
• Divine grace protects the sincere devotee

The colors themselves are significant: red for love and fertility, yellow for turmeric and auspiciousness, green for new spring growth, blue for Krishna.